‘The unemployed in particular carry the can for the excesses of the bankers and financiers that have driven the world economy to the edge of disaster.

‘You would think the jobless would get recognition for the sacrifice they are forced to make so others can keep working in an economy where there are not enough jobs to go around.

‘Instead, National’s latest proposals for welfare changes are the most brutal attack in a generation on the future wellbeing of unemployed people, sole parents, the sick, injured and disabled – and their children.’

‘Annette and I are attending the Rotorua street forum – part of a three day Impact promotion to help beneficiaries access their entitlements – because we want to listen to what beneficiary advocates – and beneficiaries themselves – have to tell us about what’s really going on.

‘We are also keen to let people know that Mana will do everything we can to advocate in Parliament for the rights and welfare of those who rely on the state for their survival, and that we will continue to work with beneficiary groups to mount fierce opposition to John Key’s and Paula Bennett’s proposed changes.

‘I understand that tomorrow night TV3 is going to show a scathing documentary revealing the desperate reality of child poverty in Aotearoa.

‘I have listened to Paula Bennett speak on several occasions recently. She really thinks getting tough on the children of the poor will make poverty go away.

‘Mana knows we have to run an economy that gives everyone opportunities to look after themselves and have a welfare system that actually provides enough income for people to live on when they ill, out of work or bringing up children on their own.

‘Instead beneficiaries live on a constant diet of harassment, intimidation and deliberate denial of entitlements.

‘This makes the bullies in National feel good but does nothing to bring people out of poverty.’

Mana candidate for Waitakere, national spokesperson on issues of Social Wellbeing.